Governance - Risk Assessments

As part of its arrangements for effective governance and risk management, the Council undertakes a full annual review of its governance-related Risk Assessments. These cover all key areas of council operations, including finance, council buildings, open spaces, personnel, and overall good governance. While the formal review is carried out annually, risks are continuously monitored throughout the year through established council procedures, officers, councillors, committees, and meetings of the full Council.

The Council also has a Strategic Risk Management Policy.

The annual Risk Assessments are prepared and reviewed by the Town Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer (RFO), and two councillors, including the Chair of the Finance and Governance Committee, before being considered by the Council. In line with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the guidance in the Joint Practitioners’ Advisory Group (JPAG) Practitioners’ Guide, the Council maintains proportionate and effective arrangements for managing risk. These Risk Assessments operate alongside our Financial Regulations, policies, and procedures. We also regularly review, update, and introduce new policies as required. We publish internal and external auditor reports, and we consider and follow their recommendations to ensure our policies, controls, and governance arrangements remain robust. Our Risk Assessments are published on this website for public transparency.